Ban smoking in public?

[Nastrander]

Let's separate Jews from smoking bans here.

Can you answer this question: If the govt's didn't ban smoking, would smokers out of their own altruistic will stop smoking in public to consider others who don't like it? What is worse than something forced upon you? Smokers have been forcing this repulsive smell upon me since an early age. Life is so much better now without it. up

I think we've already agreed that banning smoking in enclosed government funded places is acceptable to ensure their use and enjoyment by all people, however what else do you mean by public? If I'm sitting out in the open on a beach or a park and light up a smoke, then you come and sit 15 feet downwind and start wretching and coughing because you caught a whiff of my cigarette, am I expected to butt out to satisfy you?

Suppose I'm barbequing in a park or on a beach (charcoal smoke is at least as cancerous as cigarette smoke) and you object, should I pour water over my coals and go to McDonalds instead?

And, there is also the separate issue of private "public" spaces. If the owner permits smoking on his property, it is up to non-smokers to decide if they wish to endure second hand smoke or not, by staying or leaving

So I guess my answer is no, smokers would not and should not butt out in public to appease the sensitive anti-smokers.

By the way, for the record, I don't smoke, but I'll defend anyone's right to smoke in any non-enclosed public place.

[Loki]

I think we've already agreed that banning smoking in enclosed government funded places is acceptable to ensure their use and enjoyment by all people,

Uhmm ... I haven't agreed on that. A smoker may enjoy a fag, but I doubt the non-smoker would enjoy it.

however what else do you mean by public?

Essentially, I mean places where people go and mix with crowds, i.e. in restaurants, pubs, clubs, public transport, and anywhere people are packed together closely.

If I'm sitting out in the open on a beach or a park and light up a smoke, then you come and sit 15 feet downwind and start wretching and coughing because you caught a whiff of my cigarette, am I expected to butt out to satisfy you?

I would appreciate it, because you're spoiling the smell of fresh air that I am trying to enjoy. up

Suppose I'm barbequing in a park or on a beach (charcoal smoke is at least as cancerous as cigarette smoke) and you object, should I pour water over my coals and go to McDonalds instead?

A barbecue's smell is pleasant. The smell of Camel is horrible.

And, there is also the separate issue of private "public" spaces. If the owner permits smoking on his property, it is up to non-smokers to decide if they wish to endure second hand smoke or not, by staying or leaving

Maybe ... but this should be the exception rather than the norm.

So I guess my answer is no, smokers would not and should not butt out in public to appease the sensitive anti-smokers.

By the way, for the record, I don't smoke, but I'll defend anyone's right to smoke in any non-enclosed public place.

We will agree to disagree.

[Nastrander]

We will agree to disagree.

agreed

[SwordoftheVistula]

The problem with smoking is that others have to inhale the smoke. And the smell. When smokers smoke in public they are intruding on the rights of others.

Well, aside from the health concerns, I, as a non-smoker -- why should I tolerate that repulsive smell in public? Smokers force that on me.

If you go out in public, you're going to interact with people you may or may not like. What's next, mandating the wearing of deodorant? Banning cell phones so that we won't be subject to these conversations? Nobody allowed to yell or even talk or play stereo/radio at all in public? Nobody can wear clothes that clash or are ugly? You can't make everyone around you conform to your desires.

[WinterMoon]

If you go out in public, you're going to interact with people you may or may not like. What's next, mandating the wearing of deodorant?

Sounds great to me. up

Banning cell phones so that we won't be subject to these conversations?

Let's at least ban the use of them in public restrooms.

Nobody allowed to yell or even talk or play stereo/radio at all in public?

Sounds like a plan. I like quiet.

Nobody can wear clothes that clash or are ugly?

Exactly. And no obese people can wear tight fitting spandex, or horizontal stripes. Thin people are forbidden from vertical stripes and clothes that look like undergarments. Black bras under white blouses are also forbidden. All pants must be worn above the buttocks. Absolutely no white shoes after labor day. Hooker apparel must be thrown in the garbage immediately. Dreadlocks and mullets must be cut off. Hmmmm... what did I miss?

You can't make everyone around you conform to your desires.

Why not? I think it's a great idea. Let's also outlaw homosexuals from showing public affection. up


But, back to the topic of smoking in public...... I personally do not like when I leave the clinic with my infant and I walk through a wall of smoke. This has occurred on more than one occasion in multiple clinic locations. Smoking is detrimental to health. An individual should not be forced to smoke through second hand means. I would not go sit next to a smoker in a public place, and I find it rude if someone comes and sits next to me then lights up. I have met very, very few smokers who are considerate enough of others to first ask, "Do you mind if I smoke?"

[SwordoftheVistula]

I personally do not like when I leave the clinic with my infant

Uh oh...crying infants are the scourge of restaurants, airplanes and other such places...better ban those too

[WinterMoon]

Uh oh...crying infants are the scourge of restaurants, airplanes and other such places...better ban those too

At least my crying infant doesn't have an ill effect on your health. People just loooove babies. And if my infant was crying to the point where it bothered others, I would surely take it outside, not force them to endure listening to it while trying to enjoy a meal. (I've never taken an infant on an airplane.)

[Alison]

I smoked for years, and am trying to quit. It's hard, but the one thing that makes me so determined is how repulsed I am when other people smoke. It stinks.

I have to carry an asthma pump with me all the time because of smoking. However, it's been over a month since I quit, and I can't believe how wonderful food smells and tastes. I can also breath easier and although I am coughing a lot, it's not as bad as a few months ago when I had chronic bronchitis where I coughed so hard that I tore muscles. Eina!

[The Lawspeaker]

I am a social smoker and I made a promise to myself to quit and I am down to my last package now (wish me luck).
About the smoking ban I find any intrusion of government into what is basically private territory (remember we are not a communist country- and restaurants and bars are still owned by entrepreneurs although our social-democratic/christian would like us to believe otherwise) abhorrent.

When they ban smoking in public transport, or in public or municipal buildings I can agree with it- although I think that it should be decided by referendum (but I know that our government has the fear of God for the voice of the people untill election time). Because those public spaces are the ones used by smokers and non-smokers alike.

But when it comes to banning smoking in pubs and restaurants- I am very much against it. Not because smoking isn't bad but because the government finds it neccesary to sit on the chair of the entrepreneur and decide in it's place. I think that any restaurant owner or pub owner should decide for himself. And I honestly think that when a governments acts on private soil then that is a dangerous precedent. A very dangerous precedent.

Leave it to the free market. The reason "we want to protect staff from smokers' is invalid since most staff smokes themselves and sales have plummeted since customers stay away. If non-smokers want smokefree pubs: put some money together, try to interest an entrepreneur for your plans and open up your own chain.

[Hilding]

I do smoke, some periods I smoke ALOT. Still I do not smoke when close to non-smokers, I don't smoke in other peoples cars unless they unprovoked say that it is ok to do so (or lit one themselves). Smoking is banned almost everywhere but outdoors in Sweden and I like it actually. Some pubs have special rooms for smokers and that is always welcome when it's cold outside or if the place is crowded at the door.
I do sometimes miss the cigarette that I used to lit directly after a fine meal at a restaurant, I sometimes miss having a smoke at the table in company of good friends at the pub though. That IS a special feeling.